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Webster - Log 10- From the sublime to the ridiculous (and back)



Saturday 30th: The rain almost stopped at 0500 when we turned off the engine this morning. The wind had come up and behind us. Immediately put in reef 1 followed by reef 2 and a roll or two in the genoa. Now we were going! 0830 put in reef 3 - the wind really was coming at us, no way was this forecast at this wind speed and it was continuing up the Beaufort scale. The boat was over powered and screwing up on the sizable waves on the quarter, so just dropped the main completely. Just in time as steady apparent wind speed of 30 kts recorded gusting 35 knts, maxing at a true wind speed of 42 kts - force 9! But at least it wasn't raining. Really exciting stuff and the boat is a kitten in this stuff thankfully. Started abating around 1700 so put up main to reef 3 and full jib heading towards Mindelo, Sao Vincent. A number of others heading in this direction too by the look of it.

Ken made some frajitas for tea, very good too - he is good at this cooking thing but did complain that the boat wouldn't stay still and nor would anything in the galley. Ken and I then kicked off the watch pattern for the night - it looked ominously dark from behind and there was not a star in the sky, completely pitch black which meant steering was difficult. Then we saw lightening on the horizon and thunder was heard which was a little unnerving as it was coming in towards us. The speed was dropping all the time as the wind dropped and came around on the nose - Mindelo is still a long way off ETA Sunday evening/Monday am. Then it started to rain, and rain and rain - didn't stop all night. Everything in the boat is damp or feels damp, other than spirits which remain high this morning. After all, it beats working!

The sun has come out at first light! Looks like it is going to be a nice day at long last and have just dropped below 100 nm. Cracking off on 210 in 20+ knots at 8 knts - we are getting there at last!

No time for songs yesterday - too wet!

Charlie -Webster

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